Gray Area Drinking with Carolyn Robistow, LPC

Between the extremes of Clinical Substance Abuse and Teetotaler
is the much larger category of Gray Area Drinking. Here today to
discuss the topic is therapist, gray area drinking coach, and
board member at Mosaics of Mercy, Carolyn Robistow. Join us today
to hear Carolyn’s hard-earned perspective on what she calls
‘Groundhog Day Drinking’ and what to do about it. You’ll hear
what Carolyn does when she realizes that someone needs support
for Clinical Substance Abuse, and why she believes that people’s
response to your changed relationship with drinking says
absolutely nothing about you. We talk about resolving points of
disconnection within your value structure, and she shares what
she thinks of as the trifecta of change: making fully informed
decisions, finding daily support, and being a subcortical change
maker. We touch on Brainspotting, the influence of the pandemic,
and Carolyn shares an inspiring story of hope from her own life.
Thanks for joining us!





Key Points From This Episode:


Defining Clinical Substance Abuse, Gray Area Drinking, and
Teetotaller.

How many people are dealing in this area: approximately 30%
of people.

An introduction to therapist and gray area drinking coach,
Carolyn Robistow.

Why she refers to ‘Gray Drinking’ as Groundhog Day Drinking.

Three subdivisions of category: White Knuckling Avoiders,
Rule Creating Moderators, and Special Occasion Slippers.

What she calls the Groundhog Day Drinker’s Circle of Shame.

The telltale sign of Groundhog Day Drinking: the mental
energy dedicated to alcohol.

How Carolyn identifies, based on the initial consultation if
someone needs more support.

Common things people say if they are in the Groundhog Day
Drinking culture.

Why people’s response to you no longer drinking says nothing
about you.

Assessing your value structure and where the points of
disconnection are.

The trifecta of change: the fully informed decision-maker,
daily support, and the subcortical change maker.

Why Brainspotting is one of her preferred methods.

The importance of researching groups to make sure they are
having the conversations you want to be part of. 

How the pandemic has impacted Gray Area Drinking.

Navigating social situations where we would usually be
drinking: confidence!

Realizing that you are not on people’s radar the way that you
might think.

Carolyn’s story of hope: the feeling of hopefulness, freedom,
and happiness she feels on the other side.

Sherry’s joy at having a front-row seat to people’s healing
and happiness.






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Carolyn Robistow


Carolyn Robistow on Instagram
Hope Pieced Together
Mosaics of Mercy
Sherry Burkhard on LinkedIn